Split Back Stitch Embroidery For Beginners| Perfecting Lines And Outlines

After learning split backstitch, I fell in love with it ❤️ Cause it is easy yet looks so stunning. It looks like a beautiful outline stitch. As a beginner, it may seem complicated, but it’ll be easy over time. That’s what happened to me. Once I started doing Split back stitch embroidery, I wouldn’t stop. 

What Is A Split Stitch In Embroidery?

A split stitch in embroidery creates a textured, slightly raised line by splitting the previous stitch with the needle as you work. It looks like a chain stitch and is often used for outlining and adding detail to designs.

Imagine it like this:

You’re drawing a line with your thread, but instead of keeping each stitch separate. You’re dividing the previous stitch to make the line look continuous and slightly raised. It may seem like a backstitch, but it isn’t. There are differences between split and back stitch.

The split stitch works well on all sorts of fabrics, from soft cotton to sturdier materials.

If you want to add more character to your embroidery, the seed stitch split stitch is a fun and easy way to do it.

Split Back Stitch Embroidery

I know embroidery means a lot of work. You can’t just sit with thread and needle and create something. To do embroidery, you need a whole bunch of things. What are those? 🤔 Bear with me, and I’ll tell you.

A split back stitch embroidery kit typically includes all the essentials you need to start an embroidery project using the split back stitch technique. If you lack time, you can buy a kit from Amazon or any e-commerce site and start the embroidery stitches.

Or you can collect it individually if you lack money 😜 In general, the Split back stitch embroidery kit has 3 things:

1. Embroidery hoop
2. Thread
3. Needle  

A wooden or plastic hoop with a screw-tightening mechanism works well for split-back stitch embroidery. This mechanism allows you to adjust the tension to keep the fabric from slipping. This even comes in handy if you do back tack stitch. If you are worried about the size, a 100mm x 100mm size is a good choice.

And,

If you are confused, then just take 8 inch larger hoop than your design.

For a split back stitch, you can use embroidery floss or a thick Perle cotton size 3-5. It’s best to use 6-stranded embroidery floss.

But you can mix things up by splitting the thread into two or four strands. It’s usually best to use an even number of strands. So that both sides of the thread look nice and even for basic stitches. It’s not like you are doing a backstitch on leather, so you can choose thread, whatever you like.

Depending on your design, you can also experiment with the stitch length. If you’re working with straight lines, making the stitches a bit longer, around 2–4 mm, can work well.

For split-back stitch embroidery, a needle with a sharp point size 7 or 8 works well for split-back stitches and is your best bet.

Because it’s designed to slide smoothly through the fabric without snagging. But if you’re working with multiple strands of thread, go for a larger needle, like a size 5 or 6. Ensure the needle’s eye is big enough to handle the number of strands you use.

Got everything? Great, now let’s do embroidery tutorials using split back stitch.

How Do You Do A Split Back Stitch In Embroidery?

To do a split back stitch in embroidery, make a regular back stitch. Begin with a small straight stitch, then bring the needle back up just a little bit away from the end of the first stitch.

Now, use your needle to go through the middle of the previous stitch, splitting the thread. Pull it through, and repeat: each new stitch should return to split the previous one in the same spot. This creates a textured, continuous line.

Keep doing this until your stitch covers all of your embroidery patterns.

Split Back Stitch Embroidery Patterns

As a beginner, you must be lost, not knowing where to start. No worries, I got your back here too!

You can try those patterns to practice it:

1. Simple Leaf:  A straightforward pattern featuring basic leaf shapes, perfect for practising even spacing and stitching.
2. Straight Lines: Using straight lines and angles is great for creating borders or adding detail to other designs.
3. Geometric Shapes: Basic patterns like triangles, squares, and diamonds to get comfortable with the stitch’s texture. This will create a beautiful yet durable hand stitch.
4. Basic Flowers: Simple floral designs with petals and stems are great for adding a decorative touch.
5. Wavy Lines: Gentle curves and waves let you practice smooth, flowing lines with the split back stitch.

Split Back Stitch Embroidery Designs Images

I was suggesting patterns for you. I’m sorry. I am not just about the talks; I even did a bonus embroidery design with it. Have a look.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)

Final Thought

You have everything you need to know. So, what’s stopping you from doing Split back stitch embroidery? Do it, and if you get stuck anywhere, feel free to contact us.

Happy stitching😁😁